HOUSTON – February 8, 2005 - "Wet and wild" is the theme of a growing number of home gardens these days. "Introducing water into the garden environment is a huge trend," said Mark Seavers of Seavers Landscape Design. Seavers, along with Nelson Water Gardens, will host the Waters of The Woodlands exhibit at the Spring Home & Garden Show at The Woodlands, February 19-20 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center.

"Water is becoming more and more important for home gardens," said Seavers. "Water offers new experiences in sights and sounds. And there is an emotional experience of tranquility that comes from water."

Seavers recently lectured at the Chelsea Flower Show in London and said: "I was amazed at the significant percentage of people who include a water feature of some sort in their gardens over there. People here in the U.S. still think of it as a novelty." Nelson Water Gardens will have examples of hidden water features, a low maintenance way to add the beauty and movement of water to the garden environment.

Seavers added that water is a significant factor in attracting wildlife. He is on a mission to educate people to take advantage of their property and to plant things that are native to the area, making the Texas heat and humidity less of an issue. He also encourages people to create spaces with greater pollen or nectar production for hummingbirds and butterflies. Seavers said that incorporating native grasses and berries helps attract migratory songbirds such as cedar waxwings and goldfinches that come to Texas to winter. "There are also native birds in the area, including mockingbirds, Carolina wrens, thrushes and sparrows that will be attracted to this type of environment."

The folks at Seavers Landscape and Nelson Water Gardens will be on hand to consult with homeowners on how to make their gardens a serene sanctuary and a habitat for some of nature's fascinating creatures.

Houston Chronicle's "Lazy Gardener" columnist Brenda Beust Smith will also be at the show offering seminars on tips for home gardeners.

See over 200 exhibits featuring the latest products and services in the homebuilding and remodeling industry at the Spring Home and Garden Show at The Woodlands.

Tickets available at entrance: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, free for children.

Complimentary covered parking: in the Convention Center garage on Six Pines with a pedestrian walkway to the Hotel.

Dates: Saturday and Sunday, February 19-20, 2005

Times: Saturday 9am-7pm; Sunday 10am - 6pm.

Place: The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Drive, next to The Woodlands Mall and Tinseltown.

Other features: Informative gardening and decorating SEMINARS, FREE consultations with home professionals, fantastic GIVE-AWAYS, and lots of SHOPPING at the show! Why drive anywhere else - everything is right here in The Woodlands! After the show, explore more shopping, dining and entertainment just across the street or a Water Taxi cruise away. To learn more, visit www.woodlandsshows.com.